The Story
Terrapin Beer Company was founded by two brewers who share a commitment to to creating world class beers unsurpassed in character and flavor. In a salute to their entrepreneurial spirits Spike and John struck out on their own to satisfy their passion for creating innovative and aggressive beers.
From the beginning they knew that Terrapin Beer Company would be located in Athens, GA. It is a city that reflects Spike and John's socially conscious philosophy. the city and the company are committed to the environment, have a great love of music, and practice living life to the fullest.
However, it is one thing to know how to make great beer and another to have the funds necessary to open a top of the line brewing facility. After three years of talking to bankers and investors to no avail, Spike and John realized the only way to start Terrapin Beer Company was to begin as a contract brewery. They knew if they could get their product into the hands of the public, it would develop a following and the needed funds would soon follow. So they put together their life savings and searched the entire Southeast for a brewery that met Terrapin's high standards of quality and would allow Spike and John to brew and package the beer themselves.
The Terrapin Rye Pale Ale was released in Athens, GA in April of 2002 at the Classic City Brew Fest. Six months later this beer which was sold only in Athens was awarded the American Pale Ale Gold Medal at the 2002 Great American Beer Festival. Suddenly, after being chosen as the best pale ale in the country, beer fans from across Georgia began to clamor for "that rye beer from Athens". With demand for Terrapin growing daily, the Rye Pale Ale was made available to beer fans in Atlanta as well. Soon after, Terrapin was chosen by producers of "Blue Ribbon" on Turner South to be featured on a TV special about breweries in the South. The viewers of this show voted Terrapin as the Best Brewery in the Southeast by an overwhelming margin of 72%.
By Terrapin's second anniversary in April 2004, The Terrapin Golden Ale was released as the Company's second year round beer. Only two weeks later the Golden Ale won a Silver Medal at the 2004 World Beer Cup. Terrapin's unofficial motto became, "2 Years, 2 Beers, 2 Medals!"
When a GA law capping beers at 6% alcohol was overturned in 2004 Spike and John turned their attention to creating a line of seasonal beers that pushed the envelope of traditional brewing. It was this desire to challenge the palates of beer drinkers everywhere that led to the creation of the Monster Beer Tour. Consisting of Big Hoppy Monster, Wake-n-Bake Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout, Rye Squared, and All American Imperial Pilsner. This series of beers has proven to be a huge success.
It is still Spike and John's main focus to open their own brewing facility in Athens, GA. If things go well Terrapin will open its brewery in Athens August of 2007.
Spike and John encourage you to enjoy Terrapin responsibly and remember to recycle whenever possible. And if you are not having a Terrapin, please support one of the other local breweries. We are all in this together.